Ivie, who also directed the faith-based films Emanuel and The Drop Box, says he approaches filmmaking by immersing himself in the lives of his subjects, which incldues following them around. That is what he is doing with Franlkin for the biopic.

“My hope is to get close to him; his story,” he explained. “I was in the studio while he recorded his new album. Just making sure I understood the language–the culture. And it’s been really a blessing. It’s been super fun.”

He admits that immersing himself in Franklin’s life helped him connect with the music producer on a personal level.

“He’s just another example of a guy who is authentic, broken, messy, honest–and yet he owes everything to God, just like I do, so I connect to him on that level,” Ivie reflected.

The Emanuel director also explained how the recording-breaking singer manages to stay so young. Spoiler alert, it’s the same thing your doctor has been telling you for years: diet and exercise.

“You know how he does that, right,” Ivie asks rhetorically. “He doesn’t do sugar. He’s pretty serious. He works out every day. Like, he’s kind of like an athlete.”

A release date and title for the film have not been provided yet. In the meantime, audiences can spend their time trying to guess who will play Franklin. Don’t worry, DeVon Franklin assures us it won’t’ be the rapper Plies.